The sun of a prince's good graces resembles that in the skies in that it shines most kindly upon the blackest people.

A heart that overflows may seek out merrymaking and boisterous festivities to quietly rejoice, unnoticed amidst the reveling crowds.

To test a modest man's modesty do not investigate if he ignores applause, find out if he abides criticism.

When mundane, lowly activities are at stake, too much insight is detrimental — far-sightedness errs in immediate concerns.

Prose and poetry are as different as food and drink.

Beauty satisfies the senses completely and at the same time uplifts the soul. That which gratifies the senses is pleasant, and that which uplifts the soul without being sensual in the least is good, true, right, anything you like, but not beautiful.

The manifestation of poetry in external life is formal perfection. True sentiment grows within, and art must represent internal phenomena externally.